“I became a middleman, sometimes players came…

We had the opportunity to speak to Nordqvist about the Solheim Cup and her role as vice-captain at the Aramco Team Series London at the Centurion Club.

It's no secret that you've been going through a very difficult time. How are you?

The last year and a half have been very hard and probably too much for me. Even though I'm much better than before, it's all taken a toll on me and I'm very mentally exhausted. They say time heals many wounds, but I'm trying to get back to competing and rebuilding my life on and off the court. I think I just have to accept that I still need some time to do that. There are days when I smile and then there are days when I feel very overwhelmed, but in general I just feel very exhausted.

You were the first assistant captain in the history of the Solheim Cup last year at Finca Cortesin in Spain. Tell us about that experience.

As a player you're lucky enough to just turn up the Sunday before, all the outfits laid out and everything done, but it's such a long process to get there. I've seen now how much hard work goes on, particularly from Suzann, behind the scenes in the meetings and how much thought and detail goes into every aspect. I didn't play on Friday afternoon so I had the radio to hear what was going on and as a player there are so many things you're not aware of. I dream of being a Solheim Cup captain myself one day so it's a cool way to learn.

How difficult was it to take on a dual role and change your focus?

It was a good role because I became the mediator between the players and the captains – I understood both sides. A lot of players came to me first, sometimes it's difficult to speak to the captain first. That was nice because they felt comfortable with me while I was playing and still out there.

Because I was at that point in my life and had a lot going on off the course, it was a little difficult for me to take on that role. But because I was already involved in the preparations, I stepped back that week to focus on my role as a player. I found I couldn't handle adrenaline. On the course it reminded me a lot of the stress hormones and everything, so it was really tough. At the captain's meeting on Saturday night, I broke down. I'd played 36 holes, I'd played really well, we'd both played well, but we went home with zero points. I was pretty upset, but I managed to pull myself together for the singles.

What lessons can you take from your captaincy last year into this year’s game?

Last year in Spain was a little difficult with some practical logistical issues that made things difficult to run smoothly, so Suzann, Caroline, Laura and I had to learn how to function best as a group. With almost a year between Solheim Cups, the European team hasn't changed that much, so we'll take what we had, look at what was successful and build on that. That's a plus because we're feeling pretty good going into the game.

What can players and fans expect from the Robert Trent Jones course and the US team?

It's a great golf course. There are some really cool par 3s, lots of water and tree-lined holes. The US side has just gone through a transformation, the newbies on last year's team are playing really well and the team will be strong in September. Having been on a winning team in the US twice now, there is no better feeling and we will be as prepared as we can be. I think the game is sold out so we can expect hundreds of people – the atmosphere will be incredible.

How does winning a major compare to being part of a winning Solheim Cup team?

Nothing compares to winning a major title. It is the greatest achievement for a professional golfer, but many of the highlights and special memories of my career come from the Solheim Cup because I share them with others.

There are probably too many to mention, but what do you think were the most memorable moments at the Solheim Cup?

A hole-in-one on the 17th hole in 2013 at Colorado Golf Club is definitely one of my greatest achievements. Caroline Hedwall and I overcame a four-stroke deficit in our foursome match to beat Jessica Korda and Morgan Pressel 2&1.

Sharing my Solheim Cup experience with family and friends at last year's match in Spain was a huge highlight. It was the first time my nieces and nephews came to watch me play. Walking to the first tee for my singles match hand in hand with my 11-year-old nephew, who now loves golf, was really special. Recently, while sitting in my brother's garden in Sweden, my nephews begged me to play golf. We found some clubs and balls and went to a small mountain to hit through the trees. It's just lovely to see how much they love the game too.

You mention the 1st tee, where singing and chanting have become a trademark of the Solheim Cup. Are you naturally outgoing and do you love the 1st tee?

I'm from Sweden and I used to be very shy! I'm very down to earth but not someone who needs to be heard or seen. When I walk into a room I don't expect people to notice me or anything like that. I like to stay in the background but speak up when I feel like I need to say something. It's very important to me to be a good teammate and a role model. When newbies come to the Solheim Cup I like to take on the role of a big sister.

I love the atmosphere on the first tee. When you're training in the winter or when it's raining, those are the moments I live for. We don't have another week like this when we come to the tee and everyone is screaming.

As an experienced Solheim Cup player, what advice would you give to all the newcomers who will be part of the European team this year?

The young players coming up have a lot more knowledge – technology and training is so much better, they are so many steps ahead of us at the same age. We didn't really have the answers, we had to figure things out on our own. They are a generation that doesn't ask as many questions or try to learn as much. Everyone is different, you just have to do it your way, play your game and surround yourself with a team that will guide you in the direction you want to go.

You're obviously a big fan of team events. Would you like to see more of these, including mixed events?

I really like team events because they add variety. When you play the same format week in week out, it can get pretty monotonous. When I played in the Aramco Team Series (ATS) tournament at the Centurion Club in 2021, it was the start of a good summer and I won the Women's Open a few weeks later. I don't think I would have been able to do that if I hadn't come here and enjoyed playing with a good team in a more fun and relaxed environment. That's what I enjoy: cheering on your team, you want them to do well and you can encourage each other. Whether it's the ATS, International Crown or Solheim Cup, it's a nice mix.

I don't think we should have too many team events though, as the ones we have wouldn't feel as special anymore. It was nice to see the Grant Thornton Mixed Invitational at the end of last year and a mixed team event at the next Olympics would be cool.

This is your 16th year on tour. How has women's tennis progressed since you turned professional?

The women's game is stronger than ever and it's exciting to see it finally getting exposure with better TV coverage. The players are hitting far, they're good, they're fearless. I'm 37 and I'm just trying to do my best but you have to show up and do your best because there are a lot more consistent players out there. You see a big change – there are coaches and physios, everyone has a team. More prize money gives more opportunities to have people around you, so you get better.